An investigation of a New York bus crash in March, 2011 has revealed some very unsavory information. The driver in the ill-fated bus trip that left 15 people dead had a long history of license suspensions and firings from jobs. The information was released by the National Transportation Safety Board in preparation for hearing in June.
The crash was horrific. The driver was returning passengers on the Brooklyn-Queens Expressway from a weekend of casino gambling in Connecticut when he lost control. The bus flipped and smashed into a street sign, causing the roof to rip away. The ensuing carnage left rescuers with the terrible task of placing body after body in bags.
The driver claimed at the time that a big rig veered into his lane and crashed into him. However, investigators were unable to locate a truck bearing damage as would be expected after such a crash. The driver was charged with 15 counts of manslaughter and criminally negligent homicide.
Further investigation has revealed that the driver had no fewer than 18 suspensions of his license prior to the accident. His poor driving record began at age 17 and was reflected in numerous citations and violations over a 16 year period that included improper passing, failure to obey a stop, failing to appear in court, and driving without a license. Once the driver succeeded in keeping his record clean for three years, he was granted a commercial license. This happened in spite of the fact that his license was revoked five times.
To make matters worse, the driver had been fired by two other bus companies and was involved in a bus crash just three days before the one in question. The problem may be attributable to discount bus companies that cut corners on safety to keep prices down. Indeed, a total of 28 riders lost their lives on such buses last year.
If convicted, the driver faces substantial prison time. Moreover, if he has any assets, the many wrongful death claims that may be brought will surely diminish them.
If you have been injured in an accident due to someone else fault or negligence, you may wish to file a claim to gain compensation. There is a potential to receive remuneration for medical expenses, loss of income, pain, and suffering.